Sunday, July 3, 2016

Heroes, Hydration & Challenges...


As much as I agree that you have to find your own motivation to train, there are certain mornings when I'm only able to get through my long run because of my running buddies (aka my "running heroes"). Recently I've been doing my long runs on Saturdays with Dafney (who has been helping me with my pacing and endurance), but this morning I ran with other running heroes (Andy, Tabitha and Suzanne) for my Sunday long run.

The group was scheduled to do 11 miles but I ended up doing 9 miles with them and then ran on by myself for another 3 miles...

The group splits and my solo splits...

It was really humid during the run. Not the worst humidity I've run in but still pretty bad. I know this is what Summer running will be like so I've been trying to focus on my hydration and fueling. Since improved hydration will make me better prepared for my long runs I recently decided to get the MyHydrate system...

I wasn't a big fan of the bottle it came with so I decided to use my own bottle...

I love the technology behind the system! And while it's more expensive than it needs to be (in my opinion) I've found it to be extremely helpful in reminding me that 1: I don't drink enough water; and 2: I need to hydrate consistently throughout the day. At the beginning of the day none of the lights are lit...
...and the goal is to ensure that all eight lights are illuminated by the end of the day.

I haven't quite made it to the "eight light goal" yet. The first time I used it I got to six lights, and then yesterday I got to four lights. But the goal is always at least eight lights so that's what I'm hoping for today ;)

I've also been trying to improve my fueling and general eating habits so I started snacking on these...

Have you guys ever tried these? They are so good! Don't let the "no dairy", "no soy", "vegan" stuff scare you away. I try to avoid dairy personally, and I know that traditionally non-dairy baked goods taste... different. These however taste amazing! I've tried the Snickerdoodle, Chocolate Chip, and Oatmeal Raisin ones so far. These will definitely be a part of my regular fueling before workouts/cross training (I don't eat much of anything before I run so I'm probably not going to have these before my training runs). 

Now that my training for the NY Marathon is shifting into full speed I've been trying to find multi-dimensional ways to stay motivated and consistent (especially with cross training). So I joined the Zooma Summer Fitness Challenge...
This challenge gives me a weekly plan for different fitness activities to do (I mainly use it for the cross training stuff), and also nutrition tips for food challenges.

And since I don't have any races scheduled until the end of September I also decided to sign up for the Amerithon Challenge...
The goal of this virtual challenge is to complete the mileage through a variety of fitness activities. I will be running, swimming, biking (via the upright/recumbent bike in the gym), "hiking" on the stair climber (also in the gym), and occasionally walking my way through all three thousand five hundred and twenty one miles...

The challenge starts on the 4th of July (tomorrow) and I want to finish it by the end of the year so that I can earn this...
Race Bling!!!!!!

So since I ran today I'm going to start off with something "light" tomorrow. I may swim or walk or do another form of "challenge approved" cross training. Until then I am resting my legs (and resting in general) in preparation for my pre-fourth of July activities that start later today :)

Hope you have a great 4th of July weekend!

What do you have planned for 4th of July?

Are you doing any virtual challenges over the Summer?

What's your favorite pre-workout snack?

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